Years ago, gym retail meant a small selection of basic products sold behind a counter. Now retail can turn more profit more than anywhere else in the gym, with opportunities in activewear, supplements and specialised gym equipment. We look at what’s working according to three industry experts

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“A couple of years ago, I attended a women’s leadership summit at IHRSA. I really enjoyed being in a room with female business leaders and left inspired to do more of that kind of activity, but couldn’t find an outlet”

“The new FIBO CAMPUS will have 13 themed sessions, ranging from fitness and health through personnel management to digitisation, offering a line-up for visitors – be they gym operators, physiotherapists or trainers”

“We’re seeing more big box gyms opening boutique-style offerings within their clubs. The question is, can they be good at delivering one thing when they have all the other gym operations to deliver? Because let’s be honest – if they can do that, our concept is in trouble!”

“That’s the biggest change I see in the fitness industry now: these young people come up with a new concept and they get capital to launch it, as opposed to the old days when you were under-financed.””

“In London, people are familiar with the boutique concept, but elsewhere it’s still relatively new, so initially it was a challenge to educate people in Manchester about our benefits, when they were used to paying budget club prices”